An Imperfect Journey

food

I love an adventure whether its a day long trek in the city to soothe my hangry pains at the nearest Food Truck Rally, a road trip away for the weekend with the girls or a long getaway exploring a new part of the world. But my favorite of all is a long getaway away on TEAM CARRY ON.

And the only thing that could mess that up is having to check a bag at the airport which could result in:

Debates with gate agents on if your bag fits

Lost or damaged luggage

Wait time and delays waiting to collect luggage

Baggage fees

And all the sadness and disappointment check luggage brings

Checked luggage

Even now, I am preparing for my next adventure away in a few weeks in advance to ensure I remain on TEAM CARRY ON. I will be going away for about two weeks, and in that time I will visit different climates, terrains and go on a myriad of adventures and excursions. So here are a few tips to remember to help you pack efficiently and light but still have everything you need for a great time away.

TEAM CARRY ON CHECKLIST

Let’s first get the basics out of the way. Yes you want to be on TEAM CARRY ON, but make sure you still cover all the fundamentals on the travel checklist.

Read up on what to expect. Make sure you have checked to see if there is a need for a passport, visa or a vaccination where you’re going. Don’t get to the airport or even worse get off the plan at your destination, only to get turned away because you didn’t have the proper credentials in confirmed and in-hand.

Plan what travel accessories are needed. Now don’t mistake “travel accessories” for clothing accessories that make sure your outfits are stand out. Travel accessories are those key items that will come in handy on your trip.

For example: If I’m going to Africa, I’d make sure to have:

Power adapters to plug in all my US electronics and the actual chargers for each

Camera to capture every moment (extra lenses or camera equipment, if needed)

First aid kit, bug spray and any emergency medicines I might need just in case things go sideways or get too real

Plane Gear: Ear buds, sleep mask, headset, portable chargers, books and the most important plane gear of all snacks, to help get through a long flight

Excursion Gear: For the beach, swimsuits, sunscreen, sun hat, flip flops, goggles, sunglasses, rain poncho and more snacks. For a safari, a backpack, binoculars, battery powered fan for heat and portable water bottle

Make-up, skincare products, and all the other daily toiletries you use

Now let’s pick out your wardrobe for your adventure. Yes you want to pack everything, but you should consider packing only what you need for each day and night you are away.

I won’t go into detail as everyone has their on sense of style, but at least bring some basic interchangeable staple pieces that you can accessorize with tons of tops and dresses and jewelry to add flare.

Also have plenty of socks, underwear and backup bras and sport bras

Bring the minimum pair of shoes as possible. Athletic pair for outdoors, one or two different color pairs to swap out for your nights on the town, and slippers or flats to lounge in.

Now Let’s Pack

Everything has its place when it comes to packing to make sure you stay on TEAM CARRY ON. I normally carry a backpack and a standard size luggage when I travel. Even though you get a free check-in, DON’T be lured or tempted to the dark side. The only way to budge on checked bags is if you bring back some wine or other liquid goods, but you can still get around that if you utilize duty-free zone.

But I digress, the key to TEAM CARRY ON is to utilize every nook and cranny in your luggage.

Start off with your shoes. Place your shoes in the bottom of your standard luggage. Stuff all your socks, underwear and clothing accessories in the spaces between the shoes and even in the shoes as every available space counts.

Roll, roll and roll all your clothes up before packing. This condenses the space they take up and keeps them wrinkle free

Wear one of the heavier or more bulky shoes when you travel to save space. If you have Global Entryor TSA Pre-Check, then you get to keep your shoes on anyway.

Pack your toiletries, jewelry and make-up in separate travel pouches and keep on top or close to corners to access easily.

In the backpack, pack all important documents, all electronics (computer/camera/phones, etc… and one set of emergency light weight clothing, even if you don’t check your bag.

Pack a small purse that zips or buttons up. Then I can pull it out and wear during travel and easily put away last minute when that flight agent (who is just doing her job) let’s you know that you can only have 2 bags to take on the plane.

Finally, and the most important thing is to pack snacks for the flight and while abroad. Bring your favorite gum, candy, airplane snacks or anything else small, compact that you can’t do without. You gotta be prepared when the hangry pains strike.

hangry

ENJOY YOUR TRIP

All this information will help you to start your trip off right. You can not foresee the other man-made delays or natural weather delays that happen even to the most seasoned traveller. But being on TEAM CARRY ON will definitely help set you up for the best odds at success and help you focus and enjoy the adventure ahead of you.

Team Carry On: Packing for my Next Adventure was last modified: March 16th, 2016 by LDJ